Checklist for moving to Japan from the US: step-by-step guide for visas, housing, and settling in

If you're planning to move to Japan from the US in 2026 or 2027, this checklist for moving to Japan from the US will help you organize every step—from immigration paperwork to cultural adaptation. Japan requires careful preparation, especially for visas, foreigner registration, and setting up essential services. Use this list in Foco to track tasks by category (visa, housing, banking) and ensure nothing is overlooked.

The best time to move is between April and June (start of Japan’s fiscal year) or September and October (mild weather and fewer housing competitors). Visa processing can take up to 3 months, so start at least 6 months in advance. This guide covers 2026 requirements, including recent changes to the foreigner registration system (now digital in some cities).

How to use this checklist in Foco

Import this list into Foco and organize it into workspaces by area: "Visa & Immigration," "Housing," "Utilities," and "Cultural Adaptation." Use the Kanban view to move tasks between columns like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." Set due dates for time-sensitive tasks (e.g., embassy appointments) and deadlines for milestones (e.g., lease signing). Enable reminders for tasks with expiration dates, like deposit payments or visa renewals.

• Confirm the required visa type (work, student, spouse, etc.) on the official Immigration Services Agency of Japan website and verify updated 2026 requirements
• Gather visa documents: valid passport, application form, passport-sized photo (4.5x4.5 cm, white background), Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by your employer or institution in Japan, and proof of financial stability (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
• Schedule an appointment at the nearest Japanese consulate or embassy in the US (wait time: 2-4 weeks) and pay the visa fee (varies by type, between 3,000 and 6,000 JPY)
• Translate required documents (birth certificate, criminal background check, academic degrees) into Japanese by a certified translator and apostille them at the US Secretary of State’s office
• Book a flight at least 2 months in advance to secure affordable fares and coordinate arrival with your employer or school (avoid arriving during Japanese national holidays, like Golden Week in May)
• Register as a foreign resident at your local city office in Japan within 14 days of arrival (bring passport, visa, registration form, and 2 passport-sized photos)
• Apply for a residence card (Zairyū Card) at the airport upon arrival or at the local immigration office if arriving at an airport without this service (requires passport and application form)
• Open a bank account in Japan (recommended options: Japan Post Bank, SMBC, or MUFG) with passport, residence card, personal seal (inkan), and proof of address (lease or utility bill)
• Sign up for a mobile phone plan (options: SoftBank, Docomo, or Rakuten Mobile) with a SIM or eSIM, using your passport and residence card (avoid long-term contracts if your visa is temporary)
• Search for housing on portals like Suumo, Homes, or Athome, prioritizing areas near your workplace or school (consider commute time by train, critical in cities like Tokyo or Osaka)
• Visit properties with a real estate agent (requires payment of "key money" (1-2 months’ rent), security deposit (1-2 months), and agent fee (1 month’s rent))
• Sign the lease and pay initial costs (can total up to 6 months’ rent) via bank transfer or cash at a post office (Japan Post)
• Set up utilities: electricity (TEPCO or local provider), gas (usually Tokyo Gas or Osaka Gas), and water (managed by the municipality) using your residence card and lease
• Enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) at the city office if not covered by employer insurance (monthly cost: ~20,000 JPY in 2026)
• Learn basic Japanese phrases for daily situations (e.g., "Sumimasen" (Excuse me), "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you), "Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?" (Do you speak English?))
• Purchase an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) for public transportation at train station vending machines (initial cost: 500 JPY + rechargeable balance)
• Familiarize yourself with etiquette rules: remove shoes when entering homes and some restaurants, avoid eating while walking, and sort trash according to local regulations (organic, recyclable, non-recyclable, etc.)
• Register with the US Embassy or Consulate in Japan (STEP Program) to receive security alerts and emergency assistance
• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials (water, non-perishable food, flashlight, first-aid kit) and note local emergency numbers (110 for police, 119 for ambulance/fire)